Opening with an introduction that asks ‘What is Japanese art?,’ this book presents a selection of striking and fascinating art from Japan, organised into a series of thematic chapters in which the author provides cultural context while pointing out exceptional features. By showing the complete artwork alongside enlarged details—sometimes virtually invisible to the naked eye—intriguing comparisons can be drawn between seemingly unrelated pieces.
The selection of illustrations evokes the hand and eye of the most accomplished Japanese craftsmen and women. Offering a superb insight into Japanese art, the book highlights—close up and in colour—outstanding examples of design and craft in prints, paintings, screens, metalwork, ceramics, wood, stone and lacquer, providing endless creative inspiration.
About the Author
John Reeve is an educator, researcher and prolific writer on museums, heritage and Asian culture.
About the Publisher
The British Museum Press publishes award-winning illustrated books for general readers, families, academics and students.
Published to accompany the British Museum’s innovative exhibition programme and to celebrate key areas of the collection, and inspired by the well-known objects of the British Museum and key periods of history, its titles range across the fine and decorative arts, history, archaeology and world cultures.
